Did you know there are currently around 134,365 roofers employed in the United States?
No one expects a leaking roof. But when the street in front of your house develops a leak, professionals warn that you had best step up to the plate and get it fixed!
Water damage is one of the most damaging types of home damage, increasing your future mortgage loan costs and reducing the resale value of your home.
How do you begin to set things right? There are several things you must do when you discover a leak now. The sooner you begin, the sooner you can stop the damage. Here are several things to do when your roof leaks.
1. Identifying the Cause
If you have a leaking roof, you should first look around the outside of your home to get a better idea of where the water is entering from. Go to the roof and look for any missing, broken, or cracked shingles in the storm-affected areas and any curling or buckling shingles.
Additionally, inspect the valleys, penetrations such as plumbing vent pipes, and flashings or metal bands. It may be helpful to mark any damaged or missing shingles so you can easily reference them later.
Lastly, inspect any chimney brickwork flashing for separation or deterioration. This will help you identify the cause of the roof leak and take corrective action sooner.
2. Assessing the Extent of the Damage
Start by inspecting the areas where the leaks seem to be coming from. Take photos or videos of the areas and any water pooling so you have a record of the damage. Make sure to note any wet insulation, damaged or discoloured areas on the roof or ceiling, and any signs of rot or mould.
Once you’ve documented the damage, use the photos and evidence you gathered to determine the best action. If the damage is minor, you may be able to repair it on your own.
3. Preparing for Emergency Repair Kit
If you have a leaking roof, it is essential to act immediately, as this can cause extensive damage. To start, turn off your power. This is necessary to avoid any electric shock while you are up on the roof doing repairs.
Next, assess the damage and create a list of materials and tools you will need for the repair. Make sure to collect the materials and tools before beginning any repairs. Once a repair kit is ready, you must place a bucket or tarp under the leaking roof area to capture any water that comes through.
4. Calling a Professional Roofing Team
This is to avoid any further damage to your home or property. Before you call the team, here are four things that you should do immediately to take care of the situation. Take note of any water stains, blistering paint, or damp areas in the ceiling or walls.
Clean up any water that has pooled on the floor. Turn off any electrical fixtures near the leak as an added safety measure.
Put a bucket underneath the leak to contain the water and prevent further damage. When the roof is leaking, you may need to repair it immediately, or you may need the help of metal roofing manufacturing.
Plan to Fix the Leaking Roof
If you have a leaking roof, don’t wait to act! Repairing a leaking roof quickly can prevent more extensive water damage. Don’t let a leaking roof become an expensive problem – act now to keep your home safe!
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